Every season, South Carolina football fans light up when the William's Brice video board rolls the NFL highlight reel, spotlighting former Gamecocks making big plays on Sundays. And every season, there seems to be a new name on the beast board. Also, every year, the NFL's Top 100 list ignites debate, and 2025 should be no different, especially for Gamecock Nation. Over the next few months, two new players will be revealed every weekday, resulting in 10 new players being added to the list per week. The final 10 players will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network. And as we head into the list for 2025, several Gamecocks make a strong case for why they should be on the list.
Through Pro Bowl honors, clutch performances, and breakout seasons, each NFL player has the opportunity to earn a spot among the NFL's elite. Below, we spotlight the former University of South Carolina players who we think deserve to be ranked in the Top 100 players of 2025.
Deebo Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders
If there is one Gamecock alumni who is a near-lock for the Top 100 status, it's Deebo Samuel. He has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and explosive playmakers in the NFL. The former Carolina wide receiver has morphed into a do-it-all offensive weapon for the Commanders. His 2023 season as a San Francisco 49er showcased his dynamic abilities despite some injuries. He hauled in 60 passes for 892 yards and a career-high seven receiving touchdowns, plus he added 225 rushing yards with five more scores on the ground. Anytime Deebo touches the ball, he is a threat.
Stephon Gilmore, CB, Minnesota Vikings
A decade into his NFL career, Stephon Gilmore is still playing at an elite level. The five-time Pro Bowler is continuing to blanket top receivers as he brings veteran savvy to the Vikings' secondary. And if you ask any South Carolina fan, the 2019 NLF Defensive Player of the Year has earned another Top 100 nod. He is a two-time First-Team All-Pro who has cemented his status as one of the premier shutdown corners of his generation.
After winning a Super Bowl and dominating with New England, Gilmore has brought his talents to Minnesota, where his veteran skills and coverage immediately boosted the Vikings' defense.
One of Gamecock Nation's favorite players, Gilmore was a lockdown corner known for his crazy on-handed catch. Opposing quarterbacks learned the hard way throwing anywhere in Gilmore's direction. He is smart, physical, and always in the right spot. This former South Carolina Mr. Football remains one of the NFL's top talents, no question.
Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers
It wasn't long ago that Jaycee Horn was patrolling the secondary at Williams-Brice Stadium, and now he is on the verge of stardom with the Carolina Panthers. The 2021 Top 10 draft pick has what it takes to be the next great shutdown corner in the NFL. His size, speed, and instincts is why he earned his first Pro Bowl selection last year. But most impressively, he managed to stay healthy and play 97% of defensive snaps, silencing the doubters. He allowed among the fewest catches and yards of any starting cornerback during his breakout campaign and hasn't let up since.
Horn has the "it" factor that Gamecock fans recognized when he was shutting down SEC receivers, and now the whole league is taking notice. Heading into 2025, if the young defense surrounding Horn improves, expect to see even more out of the young corner. And don't be surprised if this second-generation NFL star forces his way into the Top 100 with a true shutdown season.
Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Linebackers don't usually get the same hype as some stars on the offense, but Ernest Jones is makin sure everyone knows his value on the professional level. A former defensive leader, Jones has quickly become a tackling machine in the NFL. In 2023, with the Rams, he racked up a team-high of 145 tackles along with 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and even wore the captain's "C" as the defensive signal-caller. Oh, and he won a Super Bowl in his rookie season.
Gamecock faithful will recall Jones as a versatile LB who was always around the ball. That instinct has only grown on the pro level, as he continues to be solid in coverage and against the run. At only 25 years old, Jones is really just now entering his prime, so the best may be yet to come. He has posted back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons and is out to prove himself even more. Jones may not be a household name yet, but this hard-hitting Gamecock has earned a spot among the NFL's 100 best.
Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Free Agent
No list of Gamecock greats is complete without the one and only Jadeveon Clowney. Yes, the one that delivered "The Hit" heard 'round the world against Michigan. Clowney's career has seen some ups and downs, but the seasoned vet is looking to prove that he still belongs among the elite. In 2023, Clownet tied his career-high with 9.5 sacks while playing for Baltimore, reminding everyone why he was the No. 1 Draft pick. He is also a three-time Pro Bowler, who has routinely been considered as one of the top defensive disruptors. Now, at 32, Clowney finds himself as a free agent after a brief stint with the Panthers, but don't let that fool you, he has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Gamecock fans will always consider Clowney a living legend, the kind of player that made you jump out of your seat in college and can still do the same on Sundays. The NFL Top 100 needs a little Clowney, and 2025 may be our last season to see it.
Bottom line: South Carolina football continues to produce NFL stars, and as fans, we proudly point to players all over the league making a difference. Whether it's a household name like Deebo slashing through the defense, or a veteran like Stephon Gilmore, the Gamecock alumni are major players on Sundays. The Garnet and Black will carry the Fighting Gamecock spirit onto that prestigious list, year after year.